Almont teacher travels to South Korea, bringing global insights to the classroom

ALMONT — Summer break for Almont High School teacher Mrs. Jennifer Blum was anything but routine. 

While many were taking a well-deserved break from the classroom, vacationing or spending time with family, Mrs. Blum took advantage of a unique situation. She was presented with an opportunity to participate in an outstanding professional development opportunity in South Korea.

Mrs. Blum, an English and social studies teacher in Almont, jumped at the opportunity to attend the World History Association Annual Conference in Incheon, South Korea, through a scholarship supporting her professional development and continued historical research. The Almont staff member received a scholarship to go to South Korea to attend an educator conference after submitting her research.  

The conference brought together K-12 educators, university professors, published authors, and leading scholars from around the world to share original research, discuss the future of the discipline, and explore innovative approaches to teaching world history.

Blum had the opportunity to present her research paper, “The Evolution of American Orientalist Propaganda: Before and After the Korean War,” as part of a panel titled “U.S. Power, Cold War Developmentalism, and Transnational Resistance.” Her research provided a resource for educators and scholars to discuss and utilize as they examine the complex historical relationships among the United States, Korea, and the broader world.

During the conference, Mrs. Blum participated in 12 workshops, learning about new mapping resources, strategies for developing creative and critical thinking, methods for interpreting quantitative data in the classroom, and the importance of incorporating multiple perspectives into the study of history.

She also had the opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate with professors from Ivy League universities and other internationally recognized institutions.

Most importantly, Blum returned to Almont with primary sources, teaching resources and firsthand international perspectives that she can bring directly into her history and English classrooms.

The experience will allow Almont students to engage with history beyond the textbook and explore global perspectives, cultural insights and inquiry-based learning that make history more relevant, interactive and meaningful.

“We are proud of Mrs. Blum for representing Almont High School on an international stage and for bringing this experience and knowledge back to benefit our students,” said Almont High School Principal Ron Jacobs. 

An unforgettable summer that is packed with important information and unforgettable memories.